Bad breath is a medical condition called halitosis. Most cases of bad breath come from food in the mouth that has lodged between the teeth, around the gums or on the tongue. The things you eat and drink affect your breath. This food can rot and cause a bad smell in your mouth. Rotten food also helps bacteria to grow in your mouth. Bacteria can cause gum disease, or gingivitis. Gingivitis also causes bad breath.
Additionally, once food is digested and its oils are absorbed into the bloodstream, they're carried into the lungs. The odor is given off in your breath.
But bad breath may also be a sign of a health problem. Chronic lung infections, liver or kidney diseases and diabetes are some conditions that may cause bad breath. So, you might want to get a check up with your doctor to be sure that nothing else is going on.
TO PREVENT BAD BREATH:
* Brush teeth at least 2 times every day, using a fluoride toothpaste. Brush along the gumline and on all tooth surfaces. Also use your toothbrush to clean the surface of your tongue.
* Floss teeth at least once a day to remove food from between your teeth.
* Eat more fruits and vegetables every day. Eat less meat.
* Avoid foods that cause you to have bad breath. Also try to avoid alcoholic beverages, which often cause bad breath. Avoid tobacco.
* Suck on sugar-free mints, chew sugar-free gum, use a mouthwash or drink more water.
* See your dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned.
More info:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/bad-breath
/DS00025/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
